[debzaranti]

We have lived here for over 14 years. For the last 2 to 3 years we've been having a problem trying to get the water department to come out and fix our leaking water meter. They are largely ignoring us and telling us that there is no leak. However our front yard begs to differ because it's getting to be like a swamp with standing water and a water meter vault that is full of water all the time.

We can't even run the lawn mower over that area of the front yard because it sinks in the mud up to the axles. We have called and emailed the water department several times over the last 2 to 3 years, to no avail.

Not only is the standing water in our yard a breeding ground for mosquitoes, but I am concerned that since this has been going on for at least 2 years, it could eventually cause a complete washout and sinkhole to form. A sinkhole would not only affect us and our next door neighbor, but it would probably have a negative impact on every property on the block.

I'm posting on here largely out of frustration and also because of the suggestion from a good friend who is also a long time Villages resident. She seems to think if we make enough noise, maybe the water department will actually come out and fix the problem.

[retiredguy123]

I would suggest calling District Property Management, 352-753-4022. If the leak is on the water company's side of the meter, it is probably located within the street easement area, and they can either get the water company to repair the leak, or they can repair it themselves. They are responsible for maintaining The Villages infrastructure.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by debzaranti

We have lived here for over 14 years. For the last 2 to 3 years we've been having a problem trying to get the water department to come out and fix our leaking water meter. They are largely ignoring us and telling us that there is no leak. However our front yard begs to differ because it's getting to be like a swamp with standing water and a water meter vault that is full of water all the time.

We can't even run the lawn mower over that area of the front yard because it sinks in the mud up to the axles. We have called and emailed the water department several times over the last 2 to 3 years, to no avail.

Not only is the standing water in our yard a breeding ground for mosquitoes, but I am concerned that since this has been going on for at least 2 years, it could eventually cause a complete washout and sinkhole to form. A sinkhole would not only affect us and our next door neighbor, but it would probably have a negative impact on every property on the block.

I'm posting on here largely out of frustration and also because of the suggestion from a good friend who is also a long time Villages resident. She seems to think if we make enough noise, maybe the water department will actually come out and fix the problem.

Sometimes there is an art to complaining. If, there is that much water, your water bill must be out of sight. If, not, the leak is before the meter. You can easily research the name of an executive and send a return receipt letter to their attention. I would include photos. I would include when you called, who you spoke to etc. You may want to call a plumber. There are many possible causes. A leaking swimming pool? Water from your roof? This is the rainy reason. Backed up sewer line etc

[JohnN]

We had a leak in the front yard (was with the sprinkler connection to the main but we didn't know that) and the water company came out within about an hour. I'd call 'em and say you have an unknown leak - don't say it's in the meter, I bet they send their emergency guy out ASAP.

[champion6]

Is the water meter for your next-door neighbor also in the vault? There are two in each vault where I live - Tamarind Grove. Can you convince your neighbor to also call and complain?

[Decadeofdave]

There is a meter on each side of the property, you can raise the lid, look at the meter and see if it is moving with no running water in your house. If it's moving you have a leak....recycle or fresh water side.

[mtdjed]

When you state that the water Meter is leaking, it suggests that you are responding simply to excess water in the vault and yard. My feeling is that you should or have someone do a quick review as previous posters have suggested.

First, in the newer sections of The Villages you will have two meters, one for drinking water and one for the lawn sprinkling. One meter will be on one side of the yard and one will be on the other side. It seems to me that when you open up the Vault you will see two meters, one is yours and one is your neighbors. So your first chore is to determine if that is your situation.

Second, determine if the meter's are for drinking water or lawn water and which is yours. You can do that by seeing what makes them record. Try your lawn water. Try your hose water. Have your neighbors do the same.

Third, determine if problem is yours, the neighbors, or the water company. If the problem is the water company , neither meter will record usage as the leakage will be on their side of the meter. Note most leakage problems are not the meter, but rather connections to the meter or before or after. Note to have all of your home and lawn water off at the time.

You could have a plumber do this and he could quickly determine, but with some prechecking you might truly discover the true source.

[blueash]

My yard has the meter box in an area between my home and the neighbor. There are two homes' meters in the box. As with all homes, the ground is graded so that this border area is lower and water drains away from the foundations of the houses. Thus we found our meter box often had standing water, and it was just from rain water or when we irrigated the surface runoff ended up in the box. No leak at all but it was the moistest spot in the yard.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Originally Posted by mtdjed

When you state that the water Meter is leaking, it suggests that you are responding simply to excess water in the vault and yard. My feeling is that you should or have someone do a quick review as previous posters have suggested.

First, in the newer sections of The Villages you will have two meters, one for drinking water and one for the lawn sprinkling. One meter will be on one side of the yard and one will be on the other side. It seems to me that when you open up the Vault you will see two meters, one is yours and one is your neighbors. So your first chore is to determine if that is your situation.

Second, determine if the meter's are for drinking water or lawn water and which is yours. You can do that by seeing what makes them record. Try your lawn water. Try your hose water. Have your neighbors do the same.

Third, determine if problem is yours, the neighbors, or the water company. If the problem is the water company , neither meter will record usage as the leakage will be on their side of the meter. Note most leakage problems are not the meter, but rather connections to the meter or before or after. Note to have all of your home and lawn water off at the time.

You could have a plumber do this and he could quickly determine, but with some prechecking you might truly discover the true source.

This is excellent advice. For what it is worth, I will add a small detail. The way to see if the meter is registering usage is to turn off all water faucets, hoses, etc. Then turn on just ONE at a time (landscape spigot or a faucet inside the house). On the face/dial of the meter, you will see either a little arrow or a triangle (Badger brand meters use the triangle) in what looks like a small round oil bubble like on a carpentry level. That is what will spin when water is passing through the meter so you can tell which one is registering the usage on the inside faucet or outside spigot. The faster it spins, the more water is passing through the meter and being registered (i.e. - billed to you).

Hope this helps.

[RICH1]

District Property Management, 352-753-4022… if no resolution call the local news, they love stories like this during a Nationwide drought … Remember “ teeth & Bra’s “ before doing any TV interview

[OhioBuckeye]

Sounds like to me if this is true that the water company is more interested in money. Call your Congressman & raise holy hell.

[billethkid]

Include the area affected is creating a safety hazard.

[twoplanekid]

To report any water or waste water problems, such as low pressure, leak problems, or sewer back-up, please contact Customer Service at 352-750-0000

Village Community Development Districts

If they don't follow through then let me know (rick.rademacher@districtgov.org) . Staff is good at discovering the true issues. If it is a NSCUDD system leak, then they can solve that issue.

[joelfmi]

Send the money and have as experienced lic plumber check the water main feed pipe to the meter. this is from an experienced master Plumber. They can use an aqua phone to locate the leak.

[Papa_lecki]

Originally Posted by joelfmi

Send the money and have as experienced lic plumber check the water main feed pipe to the meter. this is from an experienced master Plumber. They can use an aqua phone to locate the leak.

Ditto on this. Have a plumber out, confirm what the problem is. Believe me, if its a leak, before your meter the water co will want to fix it - they are paying for that water.
Confirm its after the meter, and your responsibility.